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Biochemistry Major

The Biochemistry major is designed to prepare students for graduate work in biochemistry, molecular biology, pharmacology, pharmaceutical and clinical chemistry; positions as biochemists; admission to medical, dental, and pharmacy schools; or secondary teaching.

The Major: The 32 units of upper-division work must include Chemistry 301, 302, 301L, 302L, 311, 314, 331, 335, 396W one of the following advanced laboratories: Chemistry 421, 423, 425, and 427. Electives may be chosen from other chemistry courses for which prerequisites have been met or Biology 342, 376, 480, 482 or 484. Those planning for graduate work are recommended to take additional upper division courses in Chemistry, Biochemistry or Biology depending on your interests.

Major Field Test Graduation Requirement:
As a part of the department’s assessment program, each graduating senior is required to take the major field test in chemistry (Chem 489). A student who fails to take the major field test will be restricted from graduating.

Optimum Path for Biochemistry Major

Year 1 (F)

Year 1 (S)

Year 3 (F)

Year 3 (S)

Course

Units

Course

Units

Course

Units

Course

Units

Chem 151

3

Chem 152

3

Chem 311

3

Chem 314

3

Chem 151L

1

Chem 152L

1

Chem 331

3

Chem 335

3

Bio 190

3

Bio 225/L

4

Physics 271/L

4

Chem 396W***

3

Math 150*

4

Math 151

4

Core

5 ~ 6

Core

6 ~ 7

Core

4 ~ 5

Core

3 ~ 4

Year 2 (F)

Year 2 (S)

Year 4 (F)

Year 4 (S)

Course

Units

Course

Units

Course

Units

Course

Units

Chem 220

3

Chem 302

3

UD Bio/Chem Elect##

3 ~ 4

UD Bio/Chem Elect##

3 ~ 4

Chem 301

3

Chem 302L

1

Chem 421 or 425#

3

Chem 423 or 427#

3

Chem 301L

1

Bio 300

3

Chem 396W***

3

Chem 489

0

Bio 221/221L**

4

Physics 270/L

4

Core

6 ~ 9

Core

8 ~ 9

Core

4 ~ 5

Core

3 ~ 4

*Students deficient in Mathematics should take Math 115 instead of Math 150, followed by 150, 151.

**Bio221/221L is
required only if you are pre-health.

***Chem 396W
may be completed in either semester of the junior year or fall of the senior year.

#Students must complete one (1) of the following: Chem 421, 423, 425, 427.

##UD Chem/Bio elective may be taken in either semester.
For ACS certified degree, must take Chem 440 as elective.